tyrosine

noun

ty·​ro·​sine ˈtī-rə-ˌsēn How to pronounce tyrosine (audio)
: a phenolic amino acid C9H11NO3 that is a precursor of several important substances (such as epinephrine and melanin)

Examples of tyrosine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Similar to Parmigiano but creamier, the cheese has been crafted and aged in Switzerland for centuries and is famed for its dense, fudgy texture with crunchy tyrosine crystals. — Julia Eskins, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2025 There's individual variability in how well L-tyrosine works. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 12 Apr. 2026 These arginine-tyrosine interactions remain active as the fiber solidifies. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026 As cheese ages, its milk proteins break down into amino acids such as tyrosine and glutamate—the same savory compounds that give MSG its characteristic umami qualities. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tyrosine

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from Greek tyros cheese — more at butter

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrosine was in 1857

Rhymes for tyrosine

See All Rhymes for tyrosine

Browse Nearby Words

tyrosinase
tyrosine
tyrothricin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tyrosine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrosine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

tyrosine

noun
ty·​ro·​sine ˈtī-rə-ˌsēn How to pronounce tyrosine (audio)
: a phenolic amino acid C9H11NO3 that is a precursor of several important substances (as epinephrine and melanin)
—abbreviation Tyr

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrosine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tyrosine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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